What is GMP

GMP refers to the Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations promulgated by the US Food and Drug
Administration under the authority of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (See Chapter IV for food, and Chapter V, Subchapters A, B, C, D, and E
for drugs and devices.) These regulations, which have the force of law, require that manufacturers,
processors, and packagers of drugs, medical devices, some food, and blood take proactive steps to ensure that
their products are safe, pure, and effective. GMP regulations require a quality approach to manufacturing,
enabling companies to minimize or eliminate instances of contamination, mixups, and errors. This in
turn, protects the consumer from purchasing a product which is not effective or even dangerous. Failure of
firms to comply with GMP regulations can result in very serious consequences including recall, seizure,
fines, and jail time.

GMP regulations address issues including recordkeeping, personnel qualifications, sanitation, cleanliness,
equipment verification, process validation, and complaint handling. Most GMP requirements are very general
and open-ended, allowing each manufacturer to decide individually how to best implement the necessary
controls. This provides much flexibility, but also requires that the manufacturer interpret the requirements
in a manner which makes sense for each individual business.

GMP is also sometimes referred to as "cGMP". The "c" stands for "current," reminding manufacturers that
they must employ technologies and systems which are up-to-date in order to comply with the regulation.
Systems and equipment used to prevent contamination, mixups, and errors, which may have been
"top-of-the-line" 20 years ago, may be less than adequate by today's standards.